New Year’s Resolutions for People Living in Bear Country

It’s that time of year when everyone starts making New Year’s resolutions. If you live in bear country, then we’d like to suggest that you make a resolution (or two) that will help us all co-exist more peacefully with our bear neighbors. We’ve got some great ideas below that will help you limit or eliminate your encounters with bears. Follow these, and we’ll all have a happier and healthier New Year!

Resolution: Learn more about common bear traits

It’s easier to live peacefully with bears when you understand more about them and their behavior. For example – did you know there are eight different species of bears? Or that you’re most likely to encounter a brown/Grizzly bear or American Black Bear in the United States? Did you know that bears are very smart and can run at speeds exceeding 35 mph? Or that bears hibernate because of a lack of food, not because of an inability to keep warm? Learn even more common traits of bears by visiting bearinfosite.com.

Resolution: Learn and practice the guidelines for living in bear country

If you live in a community that is also home to bears, then it is essential that you know and understand the guidelines and best practices for peacefully co-existing. For example:

• Never intentionally feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to human food can become “problem bears”, which often results in a poor outcome for the bear.
• Remove birdfeeders from late March through November or make them inaccessible to bears by hanging feeders at least ten feet off the ground and six feet away from tree trunks.
• Always clean and store away grills after using them.
• Never leave pet food outside overnight.
• Never add meat or sweets to your compost pile.
• Don’t run away if you encounter a bear, as this could stimulate the bear’s instinct to attack you.
• Show a bear that has seen you that you are a danger by standing tall, yelling, opening your jacket, and making a commotion.
• Don’t cook food near your tent or store food inside your tent when camping or hiking.

Resolution: Remove attractants with bear-proof waste receptacles

As a resident of bear country, the best thing you can do to be a good neighbor is to remove attractants from your property – especially human food and garbage. Using bear-proof trash cans and recycle bins helps to ensure that bears do not become a problem at your location. Hear at BearSaver, we’ve worked with bear experts and wildlife biologists for years to develop, design, and manufacture more than 75 different bear-proof trash cans, bear-proof dumpsters, and bear-proof food storage lockers. You’ll find everything you need to help remove the attractants that so often get our bear friends in trouble.

Resolution: Contact BearSaver today

At BearSaver, we can help make you achieve your New Year’s resolution to become a better friend to local bears. If you’d like to learn more, then contact us at 800-851-3887 or sales@bearsaver.com. Our customer service representatives are eager to answer all your questions and assist you in finding the best solutions to any bear problems you may have. Contact us today!